Transfer data from Samsung to Samsung without missing the important stuff

Moving to a new Samsung phone is easier when you treat it like a small project, not a last minute scramble. This guide shows you the practical way to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung using Samsung Smart Switch, plus what to do when Smart Switch is not the right fit. You will get clear steps, decision criteria, and checks so photos, contacts, messages, app data, and WhatsApp chats are less likely to be missed. If you get stuck, skip to the help section at the end.

Overview and when Smart Switch is the right choice

Samsung Smart Switch is the simplest way to transfer data from an old Samsung Galaxy to a new phone when both devices can turn on and stay connected. It can copy common phone data like contacts, photos, videos, text messages, call history, and many settings. It can also bring across apps, although some app data still needs a fresh login or a separate restore.

Use Smart Switch when you want a guided transfer and you can keep both phones nearby for the whole process. Smart Switch works best when your old phone has a healthy USB C port and you can connect the two phones together using a cable. If you cannot do that, Smart Switch using wi-fi can still work, but it is more sensitive to dropouts and background battery saving.

If your old phone is badly damaged, constantly restarting, or you cannot unlock it, Smart Switch may not be able to access your data. In that case you may need a PC transfer, a cloud restore, or help with the device issue that is blocking the transfer.

Quick checklist before you start

A five minute prep on your old phone and new phone prevents most transfer errors and saves time later. Do these in order, then pick a transfer method.

Pre transfer checklist

• Charge both phones to at least 60 percent, or keep them on power during the transfer.
• Update both phones to the latest available Android and Samsung system updates, if time allows.
• Sign in on the new phone with your Google account and your Samsung account if you use Samsung apps and Samsung cloud features.
• Make sure the old phone has enough free space to run smoothly during the transfer, even if you are moving data off it.
• If you want to copy photos and videos, check you have enough space on the new phone for the amount of data you are moving.
• Install or update Samsung Smart Switch from Google Play on both phones if it is not already installed.
• Confirm you can unlock the old phone and approve prompts, because Smart Switch will ask for permissions.
• If you use WhatsApp chats, plan that step separately, because WhatsApp restore uses its own backup flow.

Tools that help

• A USB C to USB C cable, or the usb-c connector that came in the box with your new phone.
• A stable internet connection for app downloads and WhatsApp restore, even if the main transfer is by cable.
• Your SIM tool, and any details you need for banking apps, password managers, or authenticator apps.

If you are moving from an iOS device, Smart Switch can still help with some data, but this guide focuses on Samsung to Samsung. Also, the phrase disable iMessage only applies when you are leaving an iPhone, not when you are moving between Galaxy phones.

Decision guide choosing cable, wireless, or using a pc

The best way to transfer your data depends on your amount of data, your time, and whether your old device can handle a stable connection. Use this table to choose a method quickly, then follow the steps for that method.

Quick decision criteria

• Choose cable if you can. It is usually the best way to transfer your data with fewer interruptions.
• Choose using wi-fi if you are in a hurry and the data set is smaller, or you cannot find a cable.
• Choose using a pc if you want an extra safety net, your cable connection is unreliable, or you need to transfer from the old device to your pc first and then onto the new device.

Primary method transfer using Samsung Smart Switch with a cable

Smart Switch via a cable is usually the fastest and most reliable way to transfer data from an old Samsung device to a new Galaxy phone. You will connect your old device and new device together, pick what you want to copy, then let the transfer complete.

Step 1: Get both phones ready

• On your new phone, connect to wifi and sign in to your Google account if prompted.
• Open Smart Switch on the new phone. If you do not see it, may need to download it from Google Play.
• On your old phone, open Smart Switch as well.

Step 2: Connect the two phones together using the usb-c

• Simply connect the two phones with a USB C cable. If you have a connector, phones together using the usb-c connector that came with your new phone also works.
• If you see a prompt asking which device is sending, choose old phone on the old device and new phone on the new device.
• Approve any permission prompts on the old phone. This is where many transfers fail if you miss a prompt.

Step 3: Choose what to transfer

• On the new phone, you should see a list of categories like contacts, text messages, photos, videos, apps, and settings.
• Deselect any information you do not want to copy. This is useful if storage is tight or you only want to transfer contacts and key photos.
• Confirm you are copying from the correct old phone, especially if you have more than one phone nearby.

Step 4: Start the transfer and keep both phones awake

• Tap transfer to start. You should see a percentage on the screen letting you know how far through it is.
• Keep both phones unlocked and close together. Avoid switching apps or locking the screen until the transfer finishes.
• If you need to disconnect the phone during the transfer, cancel first rather than pulling the cable out.

Step 5: Finish and download apps

• When the transfer completes, Smart Switch will usually offer to download apps from the app store or Google Play on the new device.
• Let the app download step run on wifi if possible, because mobile data can be slow or capped.
• If your backup is complete message appears, still do the after transfer checks later in this guide.

Primary method transfer using Samsung Smart Switch using wi-fi

Smart Switch using wi-fi works well when you do not have the right cable or connector, as long as both phones have strong battery and a stable link. The screens look similar to the cable method, but connection stability matters more.

Step 1: Set up the new phone enough to run Smart Switch

• On the new phone, connect to wifi and get to the home screen if possible.
• Open Smart Switch on the new device and choose to receive data.

Step 2: Start wireless transfer on the old phone

• Open Smart Switch on the old phone and choose to send data.
• Select wireless when asked how you want to connect.
• Follow the prompts to pair the phones. You might see a code to confirm.

Step 3: Pick your data and start

• On the new phone, choose the categories you want to copy. Focus on contacts, photos, and messages first if time is tight.
• Start the transfer and keep both devices close, unlocked, and awake.
• If the phones suggest turning off battery optimisation for Smart Switch, accept it for the duration of the transfer.

Step 4: Watch for stalls and prompts

• Wireless transfers can pause if wifi drops or one phone sleeps. Keep an eye on the screen letting you know progress.
• If you see a permissions request on the old phone, approve it straight away.
• If the transfer stalls for a long time, cancel and switch to a cable method or the PC method instead of repeating the same wireless attempt.

Using a pc with the Smart Switch program when phone to phone is not possible

The Smart Switch program on a PC can move phone data when one phone is flaky, storage is tight, or you need an extra backup step. It can also be useful if you want to keep a copy of your old phone data on your computer as a backup.

Step 1: Install the Smart Switch program on your computer

• On your PC or Mac, download and install Samsung Smart Switch from Samsung’s official site.
• Open Smart Switch on the computer so it is ready before you plug anything in.

Step 2: Connect your old device to your pc

• Use a known good USB C cable to connect the old device to your pc.
• Unlock the phone and approve any prompts. You may be asked to allow access or file transfer.
• In Smart Switch, choose to back up the old phone to the computer. This creates a local backup copy.

Step 3: Connect your new device to your pc and restore data

• Disconnect the old phone once the backup finishes.
• Connect your new device to your pc, unlock it, and approve prompts.
• In Smart Switch, choose restore data and select the backup you just created.

This method takes longer than phone to phone transfer, but it is often calmer when the old phone connection is unstable. It also helps when you want to copy, then check, then copy again without relying on wi-fi.

Alternatives if Smart Switch is not suitable

If Smart Switch will not run or your old phone is not compatible, you can still transfer contacts, photos, and some app data using Google and file copy methods. These options are also useful as backups, even if you use Smart Switch for the main move.

Google backup and restore

• On the old phone, check Settings, then Google, then Backup. Turn on backup and let it complete on wifi.
• On the new phone during setup, choose to restore from your Google account.
• This often brings back contacts, some device settings, your app list, and some call history, but it may not copy everything the way Smart Switch does.

File copy for photos and videos

• If you use an SD card, you can move photos and files to the sd card, then put it in the new device if it supports it.
• You can also connect your old phone to a computer and copy your DCIM and Downloads folders, then copy them onto the new phone.
• This is a good option when you only want to copy photos, or when you want a clean start for apps.

WhatsApp chats transfer

• WhatsApp chats are best handled inside WhatsApp itself. On the old phone, create a WhatsApp backup and confirm which Google account it uses.
• On the new phone, install WhatsApp, sign in with the same number, and choose restore data when prompted.
• If you skip the restore prompt, you may need to reinstall WhatsApp to see the restore option again.

Bluetooth is fine for a few files but not ideal for a full phone transfer. It is slow for a large amount of data and it will not handle most app data.

What may not transfer and what does not work cleanly

Some app data will not transfer, and that is normal, so plan time for app logins, banking checks, and authenticator apps on your new device. Treat Smart Switch as a strong head start, not a magic button that clones everything perfectly.

Common items that need extra steps

• Banking apps often require a fresh login and security checks. Some require you to re register the device.
• Authenticator apps may need manual migration or re enrolment. If you use one, set it up early so you do not lock yourself out of accounts.
• Work profile apps and some enterprise tools may need your workplace sign in again.
• Password managers usually transfer the app, but you will still need your master password and sometimes an extra verification step.

Items that may not copy exactly

• Some app data and game progress. Many apps store data in their own cloud, so you need to sign in to restore it.
• DRM protected downloads from streaming apps. You may need to re download content.
• Some messaging setups depending on how your phone is configured. Text messages usually transfer, but make sure you set the default messages app correctly.

If your old phone cannot be unlocked, Smart Switch cannot ask for permissions, which means it cannot access the data it needs. If your USB port is damaged or the cable is faulty, the phones may connect and then drop, which causes partial transfers.

Time and effort expectations and what affects speed

Transfer time depends on your wi-fi, cable speed, device age, and the amount of data you want to copy. A smaller transfer focused on contacts and key photos might finish quickly, while a full phone transfer with lots of videos can take much longer.

What makes transfers faster

• Cable transfer, especially with a good USB C cable and stable ports.
• Fewer large videos and fewer downloaded media files.
• Newer devices that can process and write files faster.

What slows transfers down

• Wireless transfers on unstable wifi, or on networks with lots of devices.
• Old phones that are low on storage or overheating.
• Transferring everything including duplicate photos and large downloads.

Plan for two phases

• Phase one is the main copy using Smart Switch. Stay with the phones until it finishes.
• Phase two is the restore and login phase. Apps may need to download from Google Play and you will need to sign back into services.

If you are in a hurry, prioritise contacts, messages, and the photo albums you need today. You can copy the rest later when you have more time.

Troubleshooting common failure modes and fixes

When Smart Switch fails, the symptom usually points to the fix, such as a permission prompt, a cable issue, or a wi-fi drop. Work from the simplest checks first, then change the transfer method if you keep hitting the same wall.

The phones cannot find each other

• Check both phones have Smart Switch open and that you chose send on the old phone and receive on the new phone.
• For cable, try a different cable and make sure the connector is seated firmly. Clean lint from the USB C ports if safe to do so.
• For wireless, keep the phones close and switch to a less congested wifi network if you can.

The transfer is stuck or frozen

• Look for a permission prompt on the old phone. It may be waiting for you to approve contacts, storage, or SMS access.
• Keep screens awake and turn off power saving temporarily.
• If it does not move after a long time, cancel and restart with fewer data categories, then repeat for the rest.

Wi-fi instability during wireless transfer

• Move closer to the router or switch to a more stable network.
• Turn off VPNs during the transfer if they interfere with local discovery.
• If you have a cable available, switch to wired transfer to avoid repeated dropouts.

Cable or connector issues

• If the phones connect then disconnect, the cable or USB port is often the cause.
• Try a different USB C cable and avoid adapters if possible.
• If the old phone charges but will not transfer, check the USB connection mode prompt and allow file access.

Missing items after transfer

• Check whether the missing item is something that does not transfer cleanly, like banking apps or authenticator data.
• Open Google Play on the new phone and confirm your apps are still downloading.
• For photos, check both Gallery and Google Photos if you use it, and allow time for cloud sync to complete.
• For WhatsApp chats, confirm you restored during setup and that the backup is linked to the right Google account.

If you keep seeing the same error, change one variable at a time. Swap cable, change method, reduce the data set, or use the PC method as a bridge.

Safety and privacy basics

A safe transfer protects your accounts and your files, especially if you are using a shared network or selling your old phone. A few small steps reduce the risk of data loss and account lockouts.

Safety basics before you start

• Keep your old phone until you have verified the new phone has what you need.
• Know your Google account password and any two factor methods you use, especially if an authenticator app is involved.
• Avoid public wifi for account logins if you can. If you must use it, limit sensitive logins until you are on a trusted network.

Privacy basics after you finish

• Once you confirm the transfer, sign out of any apps you no longer want on the old phone.
• Remove accounts from the old phone before you reset it, if you plan to sell or give it away.
• If you use SIM or eSIM, confirm your number is active on the new phone before you wipe anything.

If you are handing the old phone to another person, do a full factory reset only after your checks are complete. This helps prevent accidental loss of photos, contacts, and text messages.

After transfer checks and restore steps

A quick post transfer check finds missing items early, when your old phone is still in your hand and you can copy again. Aim to check the core data types first, then the secure apps.

After transfer checklist

• Contacts. Open Contacts and search a few key names. Confirm contact info like phone numbers and emails look right.
• Photos and videos. Open Gallery and spot check recent albums. If you use Google Photos, open it and let it sync on wifi.
• Messages. Open your messages app and confirm recent threads and text messages appear.
• WhatsApp chats. Open WhatsApp and confirm chats and media are present. If not, revisit the WhatsApp restore steps.
• Apps. Check Google Play downloads and open the apps you rely on most to confirm logins.
• Settings. Confirm wi-fi, Bluetooth, ringtones, and accessibility settings you care about.

Restore steps for common gaps

• If contacts are missing, make sure your Google account sync is on, then refresh sync in Settings.
• If photos are missing, check whether they were in cloud storage rather than on the device. Give cloud apps time to finish.
• If a secure app refuses to work, update it first, then re login. Some apps will require identity checks again on a new device.

Only once you are satisfied, move your SIM if you have not already, and consider wiping the old device.

When to get help and what to bring

If your old phone is damaged, stuck on a lock screen, or cannot stay connected, getting hands on help can save your data and your time. It also helps when a cable port is loose, the screen is failing, or the phone keeps restarting during transfer.

Bring these items if you get help

• Both phones, the old phone and the new phone, plus any charger you use.
• The USB C cable and any connector that came in the box with your new phone, plus any other cables you have tried.
• Your SIM tool and any SIM packaging if you are changing SIM size.
• Your key logins, including Google and Samsung account details, and password manager access if you use one.
• If you are locked out of an account, bring any ID that may be relevant for account recovery, depending on the service.

If you are in Brisbane and a device issue is blocking the transfer, Aussie Mobile Phone Repairs offers mobile phone and tablet repairs across Brisbane and lists Mt Gravatt and Capalaba locations. They also show in store repair, courier booking, free postal service, and free Australia wide courier, which can help if you cannot get to a store.

FAQs